Orlando City SC signed Antoine Griezmann from Atlético Madrid on a two-year deal with an option for a third, moving to a club languishing in 13th place in the Eastern Conference with a league-worst minus-12 goal differential. The Lions' defense has conceded 40 shots on goal, the worst in MLS, after a 5-0 loss to Nashville SC. This signing follows the departures of key players like goalkeeper Pedro Gallese, forward Luis Muriel, and center backs Rodrigo Schlegel and Robin Jansson, leaving the team in a significant rebuild phase.

While Griezmann brings creativity and defensive contributions, the reality is he is being asked to elevate a fundamentally flawed team, a task made harder by his age (35) and limited recent minutes (only six 90s this season). Sporting director Ricardo Moreira now faces the challenge of adding complementary players beyond the aging star, a task complicated by the team's poor foundation.